The newly appointed Offensive Coordinator of the Saints, Klint Kubiak, is bringing along a familiar face to New Orleans. After two seasons away from coaching, Rick Dennison is making a comeback, joining the Saints as their run-game coordinator on offense, according to a tweet from Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. Dennison’s connection with Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan, who were instrumental in developing the offense that influenced coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, is notable. At 65 years old, Dennison, a four-time offensive coordinator, is likely past his days as an OC, but his decision to team up with Klint Kubiak suggests insight into the offensive strategy the new OC plans to implement. Dennison previously worked with both Kubiaks in Minnesota, serving as the Vikings’ O-line coach and run-game coordinator from 2019-20 before becoming a senior offensive assistant in 2021.

During Mike Shanahan’s tenure as Broncos HC, Dennison served as his assistant for 14 years. Although he wasn’t the offensive line coach during Denver’s dominant era that propelled Terrell Davis to the Hall of Fame, Dennison held that role during the team’s string of 1,000-yard rushers under Shanahan. He was promoted to OC in 2006 before reuniting with Gary Kubiak in Houston in 2010. Dennison’s time as Texans OC coincided with Arian Foster’s rise, including a rushing title for the Texans.

Dennison boasts three Super Bowl rings from his time with the Broncos, earning his third as Gary Kubiak’s OC in 2015. He also had a brief stint as the play-calling OC for the Bills in 2017, ranking 22nd offensively but sixth in rushing, with LeSean McCoy making another Pro Bowl appearance. Dennison faced scrutiny in 2021 for his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, leading to a change in his role with the Vikings.

In addition to Dennison, the Saints are also adding Derrick Foster as their running backs coach, according to a tweet from 247Sports.com’s Matt Zenitz. They’ve also interviewed Keith Williams for the wide receivers coach position. Williams, who was with the Ravens last season, has experience with both Greg Roman and Todd Monken’s coaching staffs. He also worked at Fresno State during Derek Carr’s time there.